Skills Acquisition Program Graduation
KiiD celebrated the graduation of 40 participants from its Skills Acquisition Program in Nsukka. The graduates completed intensive training in various vocational skills including tailoring, hairdressing, catering, and digital marketing.
The six-month program, which targeted vulnerable youth and women in Nsukka, Enugu State, concluded with a colorful graduation ceremony at the KiiD Training Center. Each graduate received a starter kit relevant to their acquired skill to help them launch their businesses immediately.
During the graduation ceremony, our Executive Director emphasized the importance of economic inclusion and self-reliance. "This program is about more than just teaching skills; it's about transforming lives and creating pathways to economic independence. We're proud to see these graduates ready to contribute to their local economy and improve their livelihoods."
The Skills Acquisition Program covered several vital areas, tailored to market demands in the region:
- Fashion design and tailoring
- Cosmetology and hairdressing
- Catering and food processing
- Digital marketing and computer literacy
- Carpentry and furniture making
- Phone and electronics repair
- Soap and detergent production
Beyond technical skills, the program incorporated essential business training components, including:
- Basic financial literacy
- Business planning and management
- Customer service excellence
- Marketing strategies for small businesses
- Record keeping and inventory management
A highlight of the graduation was the exhibition where graduates displayed products they had created during their training. Local community leaders, potential employers, and family members attended the ceremony, creating networking opportunities for the new entrepreneurs.
"What makes this program stand out is the comprehensive approach," said our Skills Development Coordinator. "We don't just teach a skill and send participants away. We provide business knowledge, mentorship, starter kits, and follow-up support to ensure they succeed in establishing sustainable livelihoods."
The starter kits distributed to graduates included tools and materials specific to their training areas. Fashion design graduates received sewing machines and fabric, catering graduates received cooking equipment, while digital marketing graduates received tablets with relevant software.
One of the graduates, Esther O., shared her experience: "Before this program, I had no clear path to earn a living. Now I have a skill, the tools to start my business, and the confidence to succeed. The business management training was especially valuable because it taught me how to turn my skill into a sustainable income."
Graduation Highlights
KiiD will continue to support these graduates through a six-month follow-up program, which includes regular check-ins, business mentorship, and networking opportunities. Plans are already underway for the next cohort of the Skills Acquisition Program, with recruitment starting next month.
The success of this program has been made possible through the support of our donors and partners who believe in creating sustainable paths out of poverty through skills development and economic empowerment.
